On Sunday, September 4, 2011, at the age of 29, Daniel Short suffered a major heart attack triggered by an intestinal infection. After a week in the ICU, a heart catheterization, stints and a temporary balloon pump being inserted, it was determined that Dan’s heart was not going to improve and heal.
The following Sunday, September 11th, Dan had open heart surgery to implant an LVAD – Left Ventricular Assist Device – which is an artificial heart. Days following the surgery while in the Cardio Thoracic ICU, Dan experienced multiple arrhythmias. These arrhythmias could have been fatal for a healthy person, but because Dan had an artificial heart, he was able to sustain these episodes. A defibrillator was also placed in Dan and after five weeks he was able to leave the hospital. He is currently at home, attached to the device that is helping his heart beat until he can receive a new heart.
As a 2000 Bethel Park HS graduate, Dan’s dream was and continues to be working on films. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Video Production from Point Park University. Up until his heart attack, he had a promising future in the film industry. Soon Dan would be completing his apprentice hours and entering the Director’s Guild of America (DGA). The doctors and nurses have said that after his transplant and some time for recovery, Dan will be able to go back to work and have a second chance at life.
Dan is fortunate to have health insurance; however, his current and future care will not be completely covered. There will be many uninsured expenses such as: co-pays, deductibles, doctor visits, and the costly immunosuppressant medications that Dan will need for the rest of his life. Even with insurance, the cost is overwhelming.
To help offset some of these expenses, a fundraising campaign in Dan’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive. HelpHOPELive, is a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All contributions are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Heart Transplant Fund and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive
Note in memo section:
In Honor of Dan Short
Please send to:
HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
For card contributions, please call 800-642-8399 or select the DONATE NOW button.
Dan and his parents, Rege and Cindy, his brother Matt, sister-in-law Joy and sister Katie, are so grateful for the care that he has received and all of the prayers, support and good wishes from friends and family.
Thank you,
Dayna Hester
412-980-2531 or daynajh@comcast.net
